“He is a principled peacemaker,” said Lant B. Davis, board chair, in a statement. “Under his leadership I hope the seminary will demonstrate a way forward through some of the most divisive issues of our time.”

Pollard is professor of religion and culture at the Howard University School of Divinity and was previously dean. He is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and Duke University. His publications include Mysticism and Social Change: The Social Witness of Howard Thurman.

Pollard will begin as president in September, following the retirement of Michael Jinkins. During Jinkin’s tenure, Louisville Seminary launched a program granting full-tuition scholarships to every master’s degree student.

Christian Century staff

Pollard said in a statement, “As much of our society is focused on division, I will ensure that Louisville Seminary will continue to build bridges between people of different religious, social, and cultural perspectives.”

A version of this article, which was edited on June 15, appears in the print edition under the title “People: Alton B. Pollard III.”